Dopamine controls neuronal spontaneous calcium oscillations via astrocytic signal

Dopamine is a neuromodulator and neurotransmitter responsible for a number of physiological processes. Dysfunctions of the dopamine metabolism and signalling are associated with neurological and psychiatric diseases. Here we report that in primary co-culture of neurons and astrocytes dopamine-induces calcium signal in astrocytes and suppress spontaneous synchronous calcium oscillations (SSCO) in neurons. Effect of dopamine on SSCO in neurons was dependent on calcium signal in astrocytes and could be modified by inhibition of dopamine-induced calcium signal or by stimulation of astrocytic calcium rise with ATP. Ability of dopamine to suppress SSCO in neurons was independent on D1- or D2- like receptors but dependent on GABA and alphaadrenoreceptors. Inhibitor of monoaminoxidase bifemelane blocked effect of dopamine on astrocytes but also inhibited the effect dopamine on SSCO in neurons. These findings suggest that dopamine-induced calcium signal may stimulate release of neuromodulators such as GABA and adrenaline and thus suppress spontaneous calcium oscillations in neurons.

Automated summary

Dopamine plays a crucial role in neuronal modulation and signaling by inducing calcium signals in astrocytes to suppress spontaneous calcium oscillations in neurons. The effects of dopamine on neurons are dependent on astrocytic calcium signaling, GABA, and alpha-adrenoreceptors. This suggests that dopamine-induced calcium signals may stimulate release of neuromodulators like GABA and adrenaline to suppress neuronal oscillations.